Now that the Denver Broncos have named Tim Tebow the starter for 2012, at least going into camp, it’s time to put you in the owner’s box of the AFC West teams. Ask yourself, going into the 2012 season, which starting quarterback grants you the most confidence that your team can win the division? Your choices: Tim Tebow, Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer, or Matt Cassel.

Denver Broncos’ Tim Tebow: This season’s Mr. Controversial, setting aside the likes of Michael Vick, Terrell Owens, and Randy Moss, Tim Tebow had horrific passing statistics, but still managed a positive win-loss ratio. Although putting up most of his numbers in the waning minutes of games, Tebow has still managed a 9-7 record in his first 16 starts. Seven of those wins have come while trailing at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Tebow has a motivating factor for his teammates and the fans that gives him an emotional edge late in games. However, in regards to statistics, throwing motion, and general command of the offense, Tebow is conceivable the worst quarterback in the NFL, let alone the AFC West.

San Diego Chargers’ Philip Rivers: Once one of the most feared quarterbacks in the league, his team has diminished around him and left him mostly unprotected and alone. Free agency has taken outlet receiving backs like LaDanian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, as well as third wide receiver Legedu Naanee. Rivers’ limited options have lured him into throwing 20 interceptions this year. Those errors, combined with an attitude you would expect to see from an impatient 12-year old, lead the Chargers to an over-inflated 8-8 team record. In contrast, Rivers had thrown for over 4,000 yards and 27 or more touchdowns in four consecutive years.

Oakland Raiders’ Carson Palmer: Palmer was thrown to the wolves in his first start with Oakland this year, resulting in three interceptions in a half. That pattern would slow, but continue nonetheless. Palmer finished his partial season with 16 interceptions. However, in nine starts, Palmer threw for over 2,600 yards and 13 touchdowns. He holds ten team, game and career, passing records for his previous team, the Cincinnati Bengals. Although Palmer is a seasoned leader, he has no playoff experience in over his nine-year career.

Kansas City Chiefs’ Matt Cassel: Arguably the most statistically average quarterback in the NFL, Cassel has neither amazed nor disappointed the Chiefs since being traded from New England in 2009. Over the past three seasons, Cassel has an average quarterback rating of 79.8 with 53 touchdowns and 38 turnovers (interceptions and fumbles lost, combined). The Chiefs are 21-27 since Cassel took over as the starter, an unimpressive record, without presenting enough impetus to make a quarterback change. On the bright side, Cassel threw 27 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions in 2010 and put the Chiefs into the playoffs as the AFC West winner.

All four starting quarterbacks have their strengths and weaknesses, and none of them seem completely detrimental to their team. However, there also seem to be no “world beaters” in the AFC West, and it’ll be a matter of time until one of them will need to shine if this division plans to return to prior glories. Now, the question falls on the owners and general managers of who increases the likelihood of winning in 2012. You decide.

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